SPUR NSW: Appreciation: Passing away of HON Don Randall. MP. Australian Parliament
The Passing Away of Don Randall, MP for Canning
The untimely death of West Australian Federal Liberal MP Don Randall is a great shock to us all and has sadness to all. Don was a decent and a genial person who always gave a listening ear to others, and was much loved by Australians of Sri Lankan origin.
Don was the Chair of the Sri Lanka Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group from its inception and swapped the position with Labor Senator Steve Hutchins to become the Deputy for short periods. Both statesmen became truly great friends of Sri Lanka in her time of greatest need. Don always stood up in Parliament to put the record straight whenever an issue related to Sri Lanka arose.
He voiced his opinion with great versatility, backed up with strong facts, and never shied away from taking on a challenge in Parliament. He took a positive and constructive attitude towards the development of Sri Lanka at the end of the terrorist conflict and helped Sri Lanka to emerge successfully from those dark days.
It is Don’s drive that resulted in the Australia taking a constructive and a tolerant attitude towards the rebuilding of Sri Lanka, and in curbing the tragic and shameful era of human smuggling operations from Sri Lanka.
Don was not always full of praise for events happening in Sri Lanka. He gave great advice and guidance, and would not hesitate to provide his critical views and constructive criticism.
To our colleagues in Western Australia he was a tower of strength day in and day out, and a man for all seasons.
Don always gave a very warm welcome to the Sri Lankans, always offering great hospitality from his special stock of Ceylon teas. Don’s death is an irreparable loss to all, and we have indeed lost a Great Australian.
Our members wish to convey their deepest condolences go to Don’s wife, children and family.
Pium Attanayake Nimal Liyanage
President Secretary
